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DIY: Painted Back-to-School Pencils

With summer almost over and school just around the corner, there’s nothing more motivating than adding some color and fun to basic school supplies to keep the kids’ morale high!

I personally find that pretty supplies are super motivating. This is an easy way to turn some old regular pencils into special, back-to-school pencils with encouraging messages. l’m sure they will get the new school year off to a great (and colorful) start!

Supplies Needed

1 paint brush with a straight end for precision or washi tape to cover the ends (I opted for the straight-end paint brush)

A super fine sharpie marker

INSTRUCTIONS

Using the paint brush, paint each pencil in the desired color and recline them on the top so that they dry. After 30 minutes or so, give them a second coat if necessary (I found that they needed it).

Allow enough time to dry (I waited 4 hours to make sure), and then trace your inspirational words with a pencil (just so that you can fix any mistakes).Proceed to go over with your Sharpie pen. Let the ink dry completely and you’re done with your new set of colorful pencils!

Alicia, you can’t apply a clear coat. the sharpie will run! I have tried nail top-coat, spray on clear coat and brush-on. They all run! Also, i would give the pencils (and anything else that is smooth and glossy) a rub down with sandpaper. 250 or 300 grit. And I was just thinking, you know those rub on letters? They come in all sizes. those would work great! and you can apply a clear coat to them. (I would use spray). Good Crafting! Denie

I’d never thought of painting my pencils (I’ve tried everything from wash tape to origami and it never seems to work), thank you so much for the inspiration! This has made me a little more excited to be heading back to school :)